Brookes takes maiden pole for 2015 R1 at Oulton

Josh Brookes took his first pole position of the season on the Milwaukee Yamaha YZF-R1 at Oulton Park this afternoon ahead of Tommy Bridewell and Stuart Easton.

With rain threatening as the first of three qualifying sessions got underway, riders piled out of pit lane in order to get a quick lap in. Fortunately the rain held off, meaning the full 15 minutes could be put to use.

Byrne took the lead early in the session but, as always, the drama was further down the pack as riders fought for their spot in Q2. An impressive lap from Bennetts Suzuki man Josh Waters saw him jump from 20th to ninth in the closing stages. The riders who weren’t so lucky included JG Speedfit Kawasaki’s James Westmoreland and the second Suzuki of Christian Iddon, who is riding with a broken leg.

Kiyonari led the way early in Q2 before being displaced by Byrne with four minutes to go. Casualties in Q2 included Walker, Smrz and Broc Parkes.

Josh Brookes set the pace in Q3 ahead of Byrne and Kiyonari with three minutes to go. The Aussie improved his lap to a 1’34.946 to secure the 2015 R1’s first pole position.

An impressive lap for Tyco BMW’s Tommy Bridewell saw him take second with Stuart Easton jumping onto the front row in the final moments.

Kiyonari leads the second row ahead of Byrne and Ellison with O’Halloran, Laverty and Buchan on row three.